Expert diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in a dedicated clinic run by specialist consultants.
The clinic is for patients with suspected prostate cancer who require further testing as well as those already diagnosed who are seeking further information or reassurance.
At the initial consultation patients will be taken through a range of tests by the Consultant Urologist including:
Should the patient receive a positive diagnosis, they are then provided with information on Uro-Oncological treatment options such as:
The hospital has a dedicated Day Chemotherapy Unit, with 10 individual patient rooms.
Chemotherapy treatment is delivered by a team of educated and experienced specialist nurses who provide 24/7 support during therapy.
At Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow, we are the only private hospital in Scotland who provide robotic surgery to patients. Specifically, we utilise the Da Vinci surgical system to perform robotic prostatectomies.
How does the Da Vinci surgical system work?
The Da Vinci robot is made up of a number of mechanical arms which your surgeon controls through a linked console. Syncing the surgeon’s hand movements in real time, the robotic arms mimic the movements exactly. The benefit lies in the range of motion the robotic instruments have compared to the natural hand and wrist – this enables smaller, even more precise movements to be made by your surgeon.
The Da Vinci robot enables minimally invasive surgery and removes the need for you to be ‘opened up.’ The robot uses a system made of tiny surgical instruments which are inserted through one, or a few, very small incisions, as well as a camera which allows the surgeon to watch everything that is happening via an HD, 3D image.
What are the benefits of the Da Vinci surgical system?
The most important benefit that comes with using the Da Vinci robot is the ability it gives surgeons to use even smaller and more precise movements than they would be able to with their own hands. As a result, we are able to perform more minimally invasive surgery than we would otherwise be able to carry out without the robot. The increased dexterity and preciseness in the robot’s movements means greater precision during surgery, enhanced surgical accuracy, and overall improved surgical outcomes.
There are numerous benefits of minimally invasive surgery which are enhanced with the use of the Da Vinci robot including:
Robotic Prostatectomies using the Da Vinci robot
A robotic prostatectomy is a well-established surgical practice and has been shown to offer better overall outcomes in terms of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to non-robotic surgical techniques.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep throughout the duration of the prostatectomy – this will usually take between two to three hours. Your surgeon will use the Da Vinci robot to make small incisions in your abdomen to gain access to your prostate. From here, they will insert a small camera as well as the specifically designed surgical tools required.
Your surgeon will then remove your prostate gland and the surrounding tissues as well as the seminal vesicles, which are removed via one of the small incisions. More so, if required, your surgeon can remove the lymph nodes from around your prostate gland.
The Da Vinci robot allows your surgeon to be extremely precise in removing the prostate and vesicles, only targeting the diseased tissue and wherever possible avoiding the other delicate surrounding structures including nerves, blood vessels and muscles.
With this robotic approach, your surgeon is able to view an ultra-clear HD view of the inside of your abdomen; the magnified view this provides them in harmony with the minute surgical tools allows them to operate with more accuracy than ever before.
Who needs a robotic prostatectomy?
Having your prostate removed is just one amongst many treatments available for those with prostate cancer. A robotic prostatectomy is a treatment option for prostate cancer which is localised – this means confined to the prostate.
Your surgeon will be able to discuss whether they recommend you undergo this treatment or not. You may be recommended to have a robotic prostatectomy if:
Consultants
Professor Imran Ahmad, Mr Jaimin Bhatt, and Mr Lorenzo Dutto are the Consultant Urological Surgeons who offer robotic prostatectomies using the Da Vinci robot at Ross Hall Hospital. The rest of our Consultant Urological Surgeons are also able to refer patients on to either Professor Ahmad, Mr Bhatt or Mr Dutto to carry out the procedure if required.
Our Consultant Urological Surgeons work closely with our Oncology Department to formulate an appropriate, tailored treatment plan for patients, ensuring continuity and an established line of communication between the teams throughout your treatment.
Associated Risks
There are certain risks associated with a robotic prostatectomy using the Da Vinci robot, as there are with any medical treatment. Some of these risks and complications include short/long-term urinary incontinence and short/long-term erectile dysfunction, amongst others.
Your consultant will discuss associated risks and complications with you prior to treatment.
Recovering from your robotic prostatectomy using the Da Vinci robot
Your recovery time with a robotic prostatectomy is usually quicker than ‘open surgery.’ However, this is still a form of major surgery and as such you need to rest and give your body time to heal.
It is recommended you avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least a month after your procedure. More so, you should expect to take around a month off work – however, this will depend on your profession and working conditions.
By providing key information and co-ordinating treatment plans she also acts as the main liaison between other hospital departments such as Pharmacy, Radiology and the Laboratories, supporting the timely delivery of results. Sister Stewart is a key member of the hospital cancer care team and can liaise with members of the inpatient and day nursing team should investigations or treatment be required.
